What does Titus 3:5 mean?
“He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy — by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Paul slams the door on works-righteousness. Salvation is not Earned; it is given.
"According to his own mercy" — God's motive was kindness toward those who could not earn it.
"Washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" pairs the cleansing of the past and the new life given for the future.
Greek word studies — original-language background to the verse.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.